“The LRTA enables Puma AE operators to gather critical ISR data while
positioned much farther from dangerous hostile fire,” said Kirk Flittie,
AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned
Aircraft Systems business segment. “Importantly, this technology
provides our customers with a UAS solution that can triple the range of
existing Puma systems that use our standard omni-directional antenna.”

The antenna also features an automated tracking function (two-axis
positioner) that ensures a secure and reliable link with the Puma air
vehicle while it operates at extended range. When integrated with
AeroVironment’s Mantis i45 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal
sensor suite, this improved antenna gives Puma capabilities similar to
larger and more costly Group 2 or higher UAS.

With M3/M4 DDL radio frequency capability, the new LRTA is compatible
with a wide range of flight and ground assets that use those wavebands,
including AeroVironment’s Pocket Digital Data Link (pDDL AE™)
transceivers and Pocket
RVT (pRVT™) video transceivers, which give users direct access to
real-time video downlink images and geodata from any DDL-equipped
platform.

Among other important features of the new LRTA, its rugged frame was
designed for operation in the harshest conditions. It comes fully
equipped with all the components needed for its operation. Plus,
operation with the LRTA requires no modifications to Puma Systems
compatible with M3/M4 DDL radios.

The new LRTA’s automated tracking function offers close range automatic
antenna switching for omni-directional use. Additionally, the antenna is
equipped with a self-contained uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for
power conditioning.

Puma AE (All Environment) is a fully waterproof, small UAS designed for
land and maritime operations. Capable of landing in water or on land,
the Puma AE empowers the operator with unmatched operational flexibility
in the small UAS class. Puma’s enhanced precision navigation system with
secondary GPS provides optimal positional accuracy and reliability.
Moreover, AeroVironment’s common ground control system (GCS) allows the
operator to control the aircraft manually or program it for GPS-based
autonomous navigation.

The LRTA for Puma AE systems is now available for ordering, with
delivery scheduled for Spring of 2018.

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides customers with more actionable
intelligence so they can proceed with certainty. Based in California,
AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, tactical
missile systems and electric vehicle charging and test systems, and
serves militaries, government agencies, businesses and consumers. For
more information visit www.avinc.com.

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